Sunday, May 20, 2012

I recently visited the Emerald Ranch Road properties (emeraldranchroad.com) and was impressed
by the care and sensitivity that has been extended to them thus far. Dave Roberts of Sothebys' asked if I would
share some thoughts on how new owners might think about building on these
wonderful sites.Because it is
fundamental to my thinking that architecture is enhanced by partnering with its
setting, I have listed below some basic strategies for working with, rather
than against, the natural landscape.This
approach is dependent on the ability to "read the landscape" – a
talent that requires architects with notable skill and genuine affinity for the
natural landscape.

Don't think of the site as simply a placeholder for a building
that offers you little or no exchange with your surroundings – rather think of
how you can merge with and/or best experience the site.Do not select the nicest spot on the property
and then obliterate it by putting the building there (1, 2).

(1, 2)

The view will almost always be more compelling with some trees
left in the foreground.What is left in
place is every bit as important as what is removed – layering provides choices
and allows the eye to move back and forth (3, 4).

(3, 4)

Every site includes numerous opportunities for adaptation and
enhancement of the development.Sun,
wind, layered views, significant trees, ground slope, and other natural
features all suggest how the development might best respond to the unique circumstances
of the site.To not take advantage of
these opportunities sentences the project
to the status quo (5, 6).

(5, 6)

Maximizing sun in winter and minimizing it in summer are
usually fundamental considerations in siting the house – and can be realized with
a bewildering array of solutions (7, 8).

(7, 8)

Consider preserving the limited amount of usable (relatively
flat) land bybuilding on the adjacent
steeper slopes.Two or more buildings placed
accordingly can create a courtyard (9, 10).

(9, 10)

Dense high trees usually suggest high windows because they
bring in more light and afford views up into the tree boughs (11, 12).

(11, 12)

Building amongst trees to be preserved may suggest weaving
the building in, out, and around them for
a literal integration.Various parts of
the house can be placed in open areas connected between the trees (13, 14, 15).﻿﻿